Anna Maria Island Sun August 16, 2017

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 17 No. 44

Sunshine lawsuit filed The lawsuit alleges Sunshine violations occurred during recent CNOBB meetings.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Six current and former city board and committee members are named as defendants in a Sunshine Law lawsuit filed Friday.

“This is an action of the Governmentin-the-Sunshine Law against the defen-

dants seeking declaratory and injunctive relief for holding meetings outside the Sunshine Law and contrary to the express written directive of the city attorney,” the lawsuit complaint states.

Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board member John Metz and former board members Reed Mapes, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent are named as defendants. Vincent, Shay and Mapes resigned from the planning board after

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – In their efforts to form the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) group, several e-mails were exchanged that expressed an intent to empower Mayor Bill Shearon and others by getting three

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey business turtles outdoors wedding section real estate

4 6 7 14 19 22-23 24-25 28-33

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

see aqua, page 29

Stronger mayor?

The Sun IS NAMED BEST FLORIDA

the best pies

around at Mermaid Pies and Produce. 14

Anna Maria Island, Florida

BY JOE HENDRICKS

see emails, page 31

Charter amendment e-mails revealed

BY JOE HENDRICKS

County Commissioners now have two recommended denials to consider when deciding the immediate fate of Aqua by the Bay.

On June 10, CNOBB founder Bill Vincent sent an e-mail to future CNOBB member Reed Mapes that said, “I had a lengthy telephone conversation this morning. Mayor Shearon suggested I contact (you) regarding an initiative I am pursuing. Both the mayor and I believe you might be interested and would certainly be of value to our group.”

On June 24, CNOBB member John Metz sent an e-mail response to Mapes about empowering the

see LAWSUIT, page 15

joe hendricks | SUN

proposed charter amendments placed on the November ballot.

Last week, six CNOBB members were named as defendants in a Sunshine Law lawsuit. Subsequent public records requests made by paralegal Michael Barfield indicate CNOBB members are concerned that Vice Mayor John Chappie might use the state’s resign-to-run provision and challenge Shearon in the November election.

CNOBB members also expressed concerns about the legality of the charter amendment process they initiated with a petition drive last week.

Aqua by the Bay denial recommended

BRADENTON – Manatee County Planning Commissioners and county staff reversed their previous positions and now recommend denial of Carlos Beruff’s Aqua by the Bay development.

On Thursday, Aug. 10, planning commissioners voted 3-1 in support of Matt Bower’s motion recommending the County Commission deny the general development plan and rezoning requests on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

The recommended denial is based on concerns about 145-foot buildings and the project overall not being consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and land development code (LDC).

Planning Commissioners Al Horrigan Jr. and Tim Rhoades supported Bower’s motion. John De Lesline opposed it, but also expressed concerns about building heights.

Rhoades again chaired the discusIf it sion after chair Bill doesn’t Conerly recused himself because he comply, you works for the firm that provided the must deny.” traffic study. Commissioners Mike Rahn and Paul Dr. Randy Edwards Rutledge missed the meeting.

In April, planning commissioners reviewed the project based on an inaccurate staff report that listed one 145-foot building and one 75-foot high rise. By a 3-2 vote, they recommended approval, but it was then learned the developers were proposing four 145-foot residential buildings, up to 12, 95-foot residential buildings and an unspecified number of residential buildings between 35 and 75 feet tall.

Rhoades said he changed his vote because of the 145-foot buildings.

Bower maintained his previous opposition and cited concerns about building heights, the manmade estuary and retaining wall and the developers’ self-imposed inability to create a constant 50-foot wide buffer zone from the landward edge of the coastal wetlands. The developers want a

Shown facing camera from left to right, former planning board members Bill Vincent and Reed Mapes and Scenic WAVES chair Tjet Martin have been named in a Sunshine lawsuit.

CNOBB members’ efforts to amend the city charter have produced some insightful e-mail exchanges.

August 16, 2017

WEEKLY NEWSPAPER IN ITS CLASS.

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the FIRST day of school at AME

brings excitement and a few tears. 11 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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THE SUN

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AUGUST 16, 2017

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AUGUST 16, 2017

THE SUN

Go ahead, look into The Sun! A long-anticipated, once-ina-lifetime event happens on Monday, Aug. 21, and you are invited to the show.

Sure, there’s a solar eclipse, but the real news is that The Sun is launching its new website into cyberspace.

Go ahead, look into the Sun! The site, www.amisun.com, features all the sections you enjoy in the print edition, including community news, entertainment, business, outdoors, sports and opinion, with the most recent

stories, photos and videos visible at a glance.

Find upcoming local events in the entertainment section, then check our live local radar and our live local traffic map to plan when to go and how to get there.

Browse our Postcards from the Sun photo gallery and our video gallery, search for stories by keyword, edition, month and more, take the Sun Survey, enjoy cartoons by Steve Borggren and place classified ads online.

As always, you can click on

the front page to see a full-color digital replica of the familiar print edition.

Don’t forget to visit our updated Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun, for daily news updates, Friday Funnies, SUNset Sundays and more.

Join us for the next generation of The Sun, and take us with you to the beach – unlike paper, we won’t blow away. But we’ll blow you away!

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Suspect arrested in Longboat Key double homicide A suspect has been arrested in the Aug. 4 deaths of security guard Kevin Carter and night manager Timothy Hurley at the Zota Beach Resort on Longboat Key. Former security guard Darryl Hanna Jr. was charged with the two deaths and stealing $900 in cash at the newly Hanna Jr. opened resort.

He’s being held without bond at the Manatee County jail.

During an Aug. 9 press conference, Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming said he believes the crime was “an isolated incident.”

The case is still under investigation.

Giving back in Cortez The Swordfish Grill, The Sarasota Post and Sande Caplin and Associates will host a Giving Back fund-raising event at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14. The event will benefit The Blessing Bags Project, a group of local volunteers who assist the homeless and less fortunate by providing hygiene products, food, clothing and unadulterated love. The project also provides children with special hand sewn bags containing toys, snacks and a Beanie

Baby to hug. The live music will be provided

by Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones, Ted Stevens and the Doo-Shots and Tim Chandler & Randy. Darwin’s Beer and assorted appetizers will be served, and there will be raffles and silent auctions. Tickets are $75 per person. To purchase tickets, swing by the Swordfish Grill, 4628 119th St. W. in Cortez, call 941-798-2035 or visit www.swordfishgrill. com.

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THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

in brief

Cole, Spooner to seek re-election Bradenton Beach City Commissioners Ralph Cole and Jake Spooner will seek second commission terms in November.

Cole is the Ward 3 Spooner commissioner and Cole Spooner is the Ward 1 commissioner.

Mayor Bill Shearon has not yet declared his intentions.

The qualifying period will open at noon, Monday, Aug. 28, and close at noon, Friday, Sept. 1.

Rental regs in home stretch The second and final reading of the amended Quality of Life/Transient Public Lodging Establishment ordinance that will serve as Bradenton Beach’s new vacation rental regulations will take place at a special City Commission meeting at noon, Monday, Aug. 21. Occupancy limits will be based on air-conditioning load calculations rather than two-plus-two provisions or a fixed number of occupants.

The commission also will establish an annual registration fee of $150 per rental unit. Multi-unit resorts that are registered with the state as hotel/motels will be exempt from the regulations and registration fees. The commission has also discussed exemptions for owner-occupied rental homes and duplexes that have on-site management at least six hours a day, six days a week. Public input will be accepted at the meeting.

Community, burgars and fun Fun, food and community are coming together at The Center of Anna Maria Island for the night Saturday, Aug. 19 as the nonprofit hosts a neighborhood cookout.

The cookout, open to the community, will feature food

by Harry’s Grill and Bistro cooked on an outdoor grill donated by Waste Pro. Dinner will be served from 6 to 8 p.m. with Kona Ice treats also available for purchase.

The cost is $5 for Center members, $10 for non-members and free for kids age 12 and under.

For tickets or more information, contact the Center at 941-778-1908 or visit www.centerami.org.

The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

AUGUST 16, 2017

Sun honored as state’s top weekly in its class

Sun Staff Report

The Anna Maria Island Sun has earned the distinction of being the best newspaper of its size in the state of Florida.

The first place award in General Excellence is one of 14 awards The Sun earned in the 2016 Florida Press Association Better Weekly Newspaper Contest at the FPA annual convention at the RitzCarlton Hotel in Naples last week.

“This is the pinnacle of peer recognition for weekly newspapers in this state,” Sun Publisher Mike Field said, following the conference. “Florida is truly fortunate to have so many community weekly newspapers doing such great journalism at the grass-roots level.

After seeing all of the compelling entries from these publications, I’m honored the judges considered The Sun to be among the elite in that group.

“We’re in that lofty fraternity because of our talented, dedicated staff,” he added. “This is their award.”

The awards and judges’ comments are:

First place, General Excellence, Staff

“There is a lot to like about this newspaper. The front page design is unusual but very inviting. The paper is chock full of everything – solid, comprehensive coverage of the community, including arts and sports. Love the info graphics and treatment of the editorial page. Paper is well designed – fun and engaging treatment of every page – and loaded with ads. I would subscribe to this paper in a heartbeat. Nice work.”

First place, Original Local Editorial Cartoon, Steve Borggren, “No app for that”

“Steve Borggren has a talent for finding irony and wry humor in news events and everyday life.

Especially liked his cartoon about a parent telling her kids to get out in the yard to hunt for Easter eggs rather than look for an ‘app for that’ on their phones.”

Second place, Best Headline, Pat Copeland, “Commission poohpoohs peeing in public.”

“Playful alliteration helped draw readers into what might have been just another story about a city commission meeting.”

Second place, Breaking News Story, Joe Hendricks, “Webb challenges voter’s eligibility”

“Points for recognizing a story that’s not sexy but it is important – especially when the newspaper takes note of it.”

Second place, Feature Story: Non- Profile, Cindy Lane, “Legendary hammerhead immortalized”

“This is a great little story about immortalizing a local legend – Ol’ Hitler, the biggest, meanest, scariest hammerhead ever to scare people out of the water. Well done with plenty of local color. A story that people will keep talking about.” see FPA, page 5

Fins, flippers and friends fundraiser The Sarasota Sailing Squadron will host the “Fins, Flipper and Friends” fund-raising event Sunday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. The event will benefit the Sea to Shore Alliance’s ongoing efforts to save sea turtles, manatees, North Atlantic right whales and their habitats. Dr. Randall Wells, director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, will be the keynote speaker. There is a $75 admission fee and the Sailing Squadron is located at 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota. For more information visit www. sea2shore.org. mike field | SUN

The Sun’s etched acryllic awards for General Excellence and Original Editorial Cartoon.

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AUGUST 16, 2017

THE SUN

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fpa: Sun honored FROM PAGE 4

Third place, Local Government Reporting, Pat Copeland, “Stirring the pot”

“Well written story covering all sides of this issue – great headline – lots of compelling arguments to help the public understand.”

Third place, Best Headline, Mike Field, “You ain’t nothing but a houndfish.”

“Fun headline. Elvis would approve!”

Third place, Overall Graphic Design, Ricardo Fonseca and Mike Field

“Less flashy, but a nice, solid design, with very well-designed graphic elements.”

Third place, Humorous Column, Cindy Lane, “Eat more octopus”

This entry was cute and funny, but also informative and entertaining.

Good writing – nice work.”

Third place, Community History, Cindy Lane, “Tourism slogans, logos evolving”

“Loved the topic, and it was presented in a very stylish way.”

monica simpson | SUN

The photo "Two little wrestlers" won a third place award for Sun contributor Monica Simpson. Right: Simpson, Tom Vaught, Rikki Fonseca and Cindy Lane represented The Sun at the Florida Press Association conference in Naples last week.

Third place, Outdoor and Recreation, Cindy Lane, “Saving seashells on the seashore”

“Picking up shells on the beach is probably one of the most popular seaside recreations there is. But this story went well into the science and conservation of shelling. A story you should read before you reach for that sand dollar.”

SUn

Third place, Editorial Award, Cindy Lane, “Respect the wildlife”

“It’s refreshing to see the newspaper use its power to remind the locals of their responsibilities to help protect the environment.”

Third place, Sports Photo, Monica Simpson, “Two little wrestlers”

“With apologies to the many other great entries in the category – beware of photos with cute kids – this one stole the show.”

Third place, Portfolio Photography, Tom Vaught, “Shamrock shiver,” “Scared of Santa”

“Loved the shot of Elvis in the water on New Year’s Day for the annual ‘Shamrock Shiver.’ And a dramatic news photo of workers trying to cap a water leak in Anna Maria.”

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THE SUN

OPINIOn

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

AUGUST 16, 2017

EDITORIAL All the news that fits ...

N

ot so long ago, this was considered the off season here on the Island. The pace of life was slower. The crush of tourists less crushing. The flow of news often drying up to a trickle.

Not so much anymore.

Just take a look at Page 1. There we find that one Island city is suing its own planning commission for alleged Sunshine Law violations. That may be a first.

Also on Page 1 we see that the controversial Aqua by the Bay project was rejected by county planners. Apparently, the proposal's 145-foot waterfront skyscrapers were harder to sneak through the process than developers thought.

The news on Page 4, however, is something that we here at The Sun are particularly proud of.

L

ast week, the Florida Press Association named this little publication the best weekly newspaper of its size in the state. The top newspaper designation was awarded at the trade group's annual media conference, held this year at the Naples Ritz-Carlton.

Overall, The Sun received 14 awards in the FPA's Better Weekly Newspaper Contest, including the first-place finish in the Overall General Excellence category for medium-sized weeklies.

One of the contest judges commented, "The paper is chock full of everything ... solid, comprehensive coverage of the community ... well designed ... fun and engaging treatment of every page. I would subscribe to this paper in a heartbeat. Nice work."

The credit for such honors goes, of course, to The Sun's wonderfully talented staff. It's a team effort every week in putting the whole thing together to make a newspaper.

It's also nice to be recognized by one's peers. We will do our best to live up to this honor.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Cycling stories I read the article in The Sun about staying safe while cycling and wanted to share a personal experience that not many have thought of and I feel needs to be addressed.

I own Harry's Grill on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. At the front of our location along Gulf are parallel parking spaces. When you are parked and exit the car from the passenger side you open your door onto a sidewalk. The staff at Harry's Grill have witnessed two very serious accidents within the past year.

Once, a cyclist was riding at a pretty good clip down this sidewalk with the flow of traffic. A car had parked in one of the parallel spots and the passenger opened the door to get out of the car. At the exact moment that the cyclist was coming. The cyclist ran into the door, flew up in the air off the flipped bike and landed on their head.

They were very badly injured. Our staff ran out with the first aid kit until others arrived to treat the injured cyclist. The passenger was OK since they had not gotten out of the car but the car door was damaged.

On a more recent occasion, a man on a bicycle was pulling his baby in one of those canvas covered wagons behind the bike. The same thing

happened, where a car had parked and a passenger was exiting the car.

The dad swerved his bicycle just in time and ran into one of our huge expensive planters (which broke into pieces) to avoid the car door. The dad was shaken and the baby was OK, but if he had been going faster and had hit the door it would have been worse.

Is there any law against riding on sidewalks where parallel parkers are exiting onto the same sidewalk?

Jan Labriola Anna Maria

Dead zone solutions The Washington Post reports that the Gulf of Mexico "dead zone" is now larger than ever - the size of New Jersey, dwarfing the infamous Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010.

Dead zones - where no aquatic life survives, are created by agricultural runoff from Midwestern factory farms, which is dumped into the Gulf by the Mississippi River. Nitrogen and phosphorus from animal waste and animal feed crop fertilizer cause explosive growth of microscopic algae.

Dead algae are consumed by bacteria that suck out all the dissolved oxygen, leading to widespread extinction of all sea life and destroying fishery opera-

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. tions and recreational activities.

A temporary solution, recommended by agricultural experts is crop rotation, selective applications of fertilizer, wastewater treatment, and sediment and storm water controls.

The ultimate solution is to convert wasteful production of cows, pigs, chickens, and the corn and soybeans that feed them to more eco-friendly raising of grains, vegetables, and other crops for direct human consumption.

Each of us can accelerate this process by switching our personal consumption of animal flesh, dairy, and eggs into the many delicious, convenient, healthy plant-based meats, cheeses and ice creams available in our local grocery store.

Barak Haffhaus Bradenton

Attaboy Congratulations on your well-deserved, top award for your outstanding newspaper. You certainly deserve this honor.

Dick and Margie Motzer Holmes Beach

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AUGUST 16, 2017

THE SUN

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on the agenda

the sun survey

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What do you think should be done following the death of Snooty the manatee at the South Florida Museum?

Anna Maria

Holmes Beach

65%

8/24: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

8/25: Election qualifying period ends, noon.

For information, call 708-6130.

8/22: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

8/24: City Commission work session, 6 p.m.

8/28: Election qualifying period begins, noon.

9/1: Election qualifying period ends, noon.

For information, call 708-5800.

10005 Gulf Drive.

Determine how this tragedy occurred, learn from it, correct any deficiencies in operations, then let the museum officials get on with doing their job.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

8/16: Planning and Zoning Board public hearing, 1 p.m.

8/17: City Commission meeting, noon.

8/22: City Commission workshop, 1 p.m.

For information, call 778-1005.

5801 Marina Drive.

Island-wide

8/17: West Manatee Fire Rescue board, administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

35%

Wednesday

Investigate how and what happened, see if there was any negligence on the part of Snooty's caretakers, then take appropriate action.

August 16

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

The sun survey is not a scientific poll and is used for entertainment purposes only.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

Should the Manatee County

Commission approve or reject the proposed Aqua by the Bay development?

• Approve • Reject • Have the developer modify the proposal to comply with the county's comprehensive plan and land development code, then resubmit.

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

Thursday August 17

Boomer Boot Camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Zumba and mat Pilates for seniors, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Book club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m.

Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Friday August 18

The Anna Maria Island Sun staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks

Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Sue Otto

Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web/Social media Cindy Lane Jocelyn V. Greene Accounting John Reitz

Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Sean Murphy Monica Simpson

Intermediate bridge session, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday August 19

Pasta making, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St., Cortez, 10 a.m., $35. Reserve to 941-708-6120.

Tuesday August 22

Boomer Boot Camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Wednesday August 23

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.

Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m.

Thursday August 24

Boomer Boot Camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Zumba and mat Pilates for seniors, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8

8

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THE SUN

AUGUST 16, 2017

mark your calendar Friday August 25

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Property purchase rejected

Meet Your Mayor, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Intermediate bridge session, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday August 26

Last week, the Bradenton Beach City Commission rejected Mayor Bill Shearon’s request to purchase a residential property at 305 Highland Avenue for $441,400. Shearon said the house, owned by Mary Mohr, could be removed at an additional cost of $3,000 to $5,000 and the extra space next to the Public Works building could be used to create about 12 additional parking spaces. When addressing his long-term plans, Shearon said the additional space could also be used for the potential relocation of city hall. Vice Mayor John Chappie noted that the commission has never had formal discussions on moving city hall. Chappie and the rest of the commission did not feel the potential use justified the proposed cost.

CPR Training, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration required. Reserve to 941-778-6341.

Dyeing with Plant Based Dyes, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $35. Reserve to 941-708-6120 or www. floridafolkschool.org.

Fermentation: Sauerkraut and Fermented Vegetables, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St., Cortez, 1 p.m.., $35. Reserve to 941708-6120 or www.floridafolkschool.org.

Monday August 28

Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

Tuesday August 29

Jelly making, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St., Cortez, 10 a.m.., $35.

Reserve to 941-708-6120 or www.floridafolkschool.org.

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 16, 2017

THE SUN

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New fiscal year, new budget in Holmes Beach Holmes Beach commissioners are scheduled to discuss the city’s proposed 201718 fiscal year budget Sept. 12 at the first of two public meetings.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH — A new fiscal year begins Oct. 1 in Holmes Beach, and with it comes a new city budget.

City Treasurer Lori Hill said the new budget is very similar to the 2016-17 adopted budget, with only a few notable differences.

Though commissioners voted unanimously during the July 13 meeting to keep the city’s millage rate at 2.25 for the coming year, she said the city could expect an estimated 8.6 percent increase in revenue with property value increases. Property tax revenue in 2017-18 is budgeted to total $4,110,762, a $362,426 increase over the $3,748,336 received in the 2016-17 fiscal year.

The millage rate is the amount multiplied by every $1,000 of taxable property value to determine how much city tax is charged to property owners on trim notices, mailed in the middle of August.

An additional source of revenue planned for the city is $292,711 in monies received from the half-cent sales tax.

Including monies set aside for reserves, total expenditures planned

for the 201718 fiscal year total $13,402,665, creating a breakeven budget for the city. In comparison, the total 2016-17 budget was approved at $12,354,643.

Hill said no reserve spending is planned.

Additions to the reserves are planned with the city’s operating reserves budgeted to increase to $5,528,525 from $4,858,103 in the coming fiscal year.

Some differences in expenditures, Hill said, come from the addition of personnel in the city’s police, public works and building departments. Two officers are planned additions to the police department, while a part-time position is budgeted for public works, and the building department is working to bring a deputy building official on board.

Mayor and City Commission

Breaking the numbers down by major department, the mayor and commission budget for the year has a planned $1,280 increase in salary to reflect a raise in the mayor’s monthly stipend to $2,000 per month while commissioners draw $500 per month. The total expenses for the mayor and commission budget are budgeted at $109,178 for the year.

• • • • • • • • •

Join Grego and hisamazing racing hermit crabsevery Tuesday at 7:00 PM

4628 119th St W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker 49 by boat

• • •

General Government

The general government budget, including the city clerk, treasurer and human resources offices at city hall, comes to $1,168,261, with the most increase showing in personnel services to accommodate five full-time employees and a rise in healthcare costs. A $22,000 increase is also planned for legal services. An additional $50,000 has been budgeted for a lobbyist.

A $20,000 expenditure is planned to replace aging computer equipment and purchase a new server.

HBPD

In the police department, expenses are expected to increase $212,911 over the 2016-17 fiscal year to top out at $3,064,188 in 2017-18. Much of the increase is due to the addition of new personnel, bringing the department to 17 officers with seven clerical and dispatch positions. A $23,000 increase in expenditures for technological services for the department is planned to cover a technology contractor position, router support services and monthly fees for software usage.

Code Enforcement

The city’s code enforcement department’s budget is planned to decrease by $16,195 over the previous year to total $168,733. Much of the decrease comes from the elimination of a planned parttime position for the department.

TIP-OFFS TO POTENTIAL RIP-OFFS

If you must act now, the offer is probably to good to be true.

You pull the permits? - NO Solici ng door to door – “Just finished a job down the street”- NO Unmarked vehicle – NO No physical address for the office/shop – NO Be sure the contractor’s phone number is listed in your local directory.

Discount as your’s is a “demonstra on home” – NO Pay everything up-front for a discount? – NO Ask to see your contractor’s license and check with the FL Dept of Business & Professional Regula on to verify.

Check with your neighbors and friends – Have they used this contractor before?

Don’t be afraid to ask for references.

Ask for proof of insurance, both General Liability (to protect your property) and Workers Compensa on (to cover anyone who would get hurt on your job).

Get an es mate/proposal in wri ng.

Make sure it specifies work to be performed.

Public Works

In public works, a decrease of $190,540 in expenses is planned for the 2017-18 fiscal year. The department’s budget totals $1,267,079 for the year despite increases in salaries to include 10 full-time employees and one part-time position. The cuts in expenses come by way of major reductions in the budget for capital improvements and lessening expenditures at Grassy Point Preserve.

Building Department

At the building department, expenses are budgeted to total $768,728, an increase of $54,072 over the ending fiscal year.

The increase in expenses primarily comes from the increase to six full-time employees along with the addition of $32,000 in professional services from the city engineer. Part of the increase is mitigated by the elimination of $45,256 in part-time personnel salaries.

Public Hearings

Two public budget meetings are planned to discuss the city’s finances prior to the Sept. 30 end of the current fiscal year. The first meeting is planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, followed by a second one at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.

26, both to be held at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Ahead of the public meetings, copies of the proposed budget are available to the public in the lobby at city hall.

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THE SUN

AUGUST 16, 2017

A great Happy Hour Just Got Better!

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Crispy Wings $5

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Our new Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday, 11:30 until 5. 2-4-1 Domestic drafts, House wines, Signature cocktails, and Well drinks. Plus, we have some great lunches starting at under $8. And, there’s plenty of fresh shrimp, fish, clams, burgers, salads and a cuban sandwich that’ll rock your taste buds.

Come by, grab a drink, have a bite, relax on our new, all-weather deck and enjoy the view.

Gulf front dining just south of the Cortez bridge BeachHouseDining.com

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AUGUST 16, 2017

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Excitement abounds at start of the new school year

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH — A lot of excitement and a few tears mark the first day of the new school year at Anna Maria Elementary.

The school opened its doors Aug. 10 to welcome students and faculty. While the return to the classroom was old hat for some of the older returning students, new students, particularly the incoming kindergarten class, had some mixed emotions with both parents and students tearing up as the bell rang to start the day.

“I’m trying to hold it together,” Tammie Cryer said, waving goodbye to her daughter Sophia as she entered Kelly Crawford’s kindergarten class to begin school.

First grader Teigan Fleischer was all smiles on the first day, greeting Holmes Beach Code Enforcement Officers James Thomas and Nate Brown with high-fives on her way to class.

“I’m excited,” she said.

Several first responders were on-hand to help greet the students and their guardians while also drawing attention to the 15 miles per hour speed limit in the school zone, including Manatee County EMS workers and several members of the Holmes Beach Police Department. Chief Bill Tokajer was the first to greet students as they stepped off school buses, helping teacher Gary Wooten and School Resource

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Officer Josh Fleischer escort students into the building.

There was one change for the new kindergarten class this year. Parents of kindergarteners brought their children to class where they said goodbye rather than meeting in the auditorium for the annual boo-hoo breakfast. Crawford said the change was to help students get adjusted to the schedule they’ll have for the remainder of the school year, hopefully decreasing confusion.

“I love the first day of school, it’s exciting,” Crawford said,

Clockwise from above , AME students Tori Hurst, Ian Emmons and Addie Seeley unfurl and place flags near the school’s bus ramp Aug. 10 before classes start. Right, kindergarten teacher Kelly Crawford receives an enthusiastic greeting from a former student at AME’s back to school night. Bottom right, mom Jenny Moore gives her daughter, kindergartener June, a final kiss goodbye before taking third-grader Jordan to her class. Left, School Resource Officer Josh Fleischer of the Holmes Beach Police Department greets parents and children as they enter the school Aug. 8 for back to school night. greeting students both new and old with a hug. “I love being with the kids.”

As a reminder for motorists, Tokajer said HBPD officers will be monitoring drivers in the school zone along Gulf Drive where the speed limit drops from 35 to 15 mph 45 minutes at the beginning and end of school days.

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AUGUST 16, 2017

EXPOSING

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WMFR hosts first budget hearing WMFR holds the first of two public budget hearings Aug. 17 at the administration building.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

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BRADENTON — West Manatee Fire Rescue is one step closer to being prepared for the beginning of the coming fiscal year.

The district’s commissioners will host the first of two public hearings Aug. 17 to discuss and potentially approve the proposed fiscal year 2017-18 budget.

The budget, to be presented

by Chief Tom Sousa, shows $7,460,500 in estimated revenue with $5,189,000 in reserve funds.

Total expenses are estimated at $7,492,000 with the bulk of

funds at $5,643,114 going toward personnel expenses, $410,397 budgeted to repay loans, $382,900 in capital expenses and $993,589 in operating expenditures.

The proposed budget doesn’t deviate far from the 2016-17 approved budget, which was a break-even budget with expenditures and revenue both forecast at $6,919,241, with $4,492,190 in reserves and no reserve spending.

Expenditures in the proposed 2017-18 budget are increased to account for the purchase of new safety gear for firefighters and the launch of the district’s non-transport advanced life support service, which is expected to become available from all three WMFR stations over the next four years as personnel complete training.

Knowing that firefighters would

be requiring new equipment, funds were budgeted and saved from previous years to absorb the expense.

During the July board meeting, Sousa said the district also has applied for grant funds to help lessen expenses to the district and provide a higher level of service to the community at the lowest possible cost.

If the grant funds come through, he said it would result in revenue carryover for the district that could be put into reserve funds or used to offset expenses in the next fiscal year.

The first budget hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, with the regular monthly commission meeting immediately following.

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Central casting A fisherman throws a cast net for bait at the Anna Maria City Pier.

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BUSINESS

AUGUST 16, 2017

The best in pies and produce

BY LOUISE BOLGER SUN STAFF WRITER

W

hat would you do if you were awakened in the middle of the night with a man’s deep voice saying, “The Sign of The Mermaid?” Well if you were Andrea Spring in 1990 getting ready to open a restaurant with your husband, you would be ordering the menus.

That was then, but now all these years later after having co-owned one of Anna Maria’s iconic restaurants, Spring is starting over with Mermaid Pies & Produce on Cortez Road just east of Cortez Village.

With just three months under her belt, Spring is going strong, expanding her menu and looking towards the future.

Mermaid Pies & Produce is so much more than Spring’s award-winning pies and beautiful produce, with the addition of deli sandwiches and salads to their take-out menu. There is have Southern style potato salad, baked potato salad and

Yukon gold potato salad. You’ll also find pasta salad, cole slaw, egg and tuna salad and mojo pulled pork sandwiches. The store also carries St. Armand’s bread and a large selection of produce, including great looking tomatoes and some seasonal fruit, in addition to a cooler with water and soft drinks. With the exception of the bread, everything is baked in house.

Anyone who knows Spring’s reputation knows that she is has been a national pie champion three times, recognized by both the American Pie Council and Crisco.

Once for her Key Lime pie, once for her chocolate raisin walnut pie and once for her peanut butter pie. At her new shop, you can purchase her famous Key Lime pie in addition to Dutch apple, Key West crunch, Georgia peach and chocolate peanut butter truffle and others by either the slice or the pie. In addition, when I was there, Mermaid Pies also had carrot and chocolate mousse cake also available by the slice. If you call 24 hours ahead,

MERMAID PIES & PRODUCE 10115 Cortez Road W. Bradenton 941-254-4783 Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5p.m.

LOUISE BOLGER | SUN

Andrea Spring's new venture features her award winning pies.

Mermaid Pies will fill special orders, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for holiday pies.

With the addition of the deli menu, Mermaid Pies & Produce is the perfect place to stop on the way to the beach for a cold drink and a sandwich or on the way home for dessert. In the future Spring plans on

All major credit cards accepted adding coffee and pastry for the mornings and an extended catering menu.

So, watch for the mermaid swimming east. She’ll lead you to delicious food and award-winning pies baked by a woman who believes in new beginnings. Mermaid Pies & Produce – stop in and be surprised.

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AUGUST 16, 2017

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lawsuit: Filed Friday

Only after engaging in substantive discussion, did the

FROM PAGE 1

defendants recognize that they should not discuss the

the alleged Sunshine violations were discussed at the Aug. 3 City Commission meeting.

Scenic WAVES Committee chair Tjet Martin and committee member Rose Vincent (Bill Vincent’s wife) are also named as defendants. All six defendants are affiliated with the non-city-sanctioned Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) group.

The city of Bradenton Beach and former Mayor Jack Clarke are named as coplaintiffs and will be jointly represented by Sarasota attorney Robert Watrous. Paralegal Michael Barfield will provide legal assistance. The case is assigned to Judge Lon Arend.

The lawsuit seeks rulings on whether Sunshine violations occurred and what corrective actions can be taken.

“Plaintiffs are entitled to an award of attorney fees and costs for prosecuting this action,” the complaint states.

CNOBB discussions

The complaint cites a July 25 CNOBB meeting where Mapes, Metz, Shay, Bill Vincent, Martin and others discussed prohibiting parking garages.

“The Sunshine Law requires advance notice to the public and an opportunity for public comment at any meeting or discussion on issues that are reasonably foresee-

able to come before any board or collegial body,” the complaint states.

CNOBB agendas are posted at the group’s website, but residents and business owners were not given formal city notice about a parking garage discussion.

The planning board participated in Sunshine-compliant parking garage discussions when reviewing the updated Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plan in April.

“Because the P&Z board acts as the local planning agency, it is reasonably foreseeable that its duties will include future consideration of whether a parking garage should be constructed within the city. Only after engaging in substantive discussion did the defendants recognize that they should not discuss the matter any further because of the Sunshine Law,” the complaint says.

The complaint mentions an Aug. 3, CNOBB meeting discussion on the proposed CRA district master plan and says Martin and Rose Vincent knew or should have known that issues discussed at a CNOBB meeting could foreseeably come before Scenic WAVES. “It will come before Scenic WAVES,” Martin said during the meeting.

Rose Vincent did not participate in the master plan discussion, but she was present during part of the meeting.

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matter any further because of the Sunshine Law.” Attorney Robert Watrous Sunshine lawsuit Barfield requested e-mails, text messages and social media communications exchanged by any of the four planning board members from June 1 to Aug. 8. He made a similar request to Martin.

On Friday, Barfield sent the city clerk and city attorney a 793-page document containing Mapes’ e-mails and attachments, some of which predate CNOBB’s first public meeting on July 11.

On June 12, Mapes e-mailed Bill Vincent about Metz joining CNOBB. “I spoke to John. He is concerned about sunshine issue,” Mapes wrote.

On July 11, Mapes sent Vincent, Metz and others an e-mail referencing a parking garage prohibition and the city’s future land use map.

Co-plaintiffs

On Thursday, Aug. 3, commissioners voted 5-0 in favor of joining the proposed legal action at a cost not to exceed $5,000.

This was after Perry told them three potential plaintiffs contacted Barfield. The commission agreed that joining as co-plaintiffs

would signify proactive measures being taken by the city to address existing and future Sunshine concerns.

Earlier that day, Metz suggested the city would pay the board members’ legal fees if legal action ensued. It’s unlikely the city, as co-plaintiffs, will do that.

On Monday, Aug. 7, Clarke reached agreement with Watrous to serve as a plaintiff and the commission voted 3-1 in favor of Mayor Bill Shearon executing a similar retainer agreement on the city’s behalf. Shearon said he changed his mind and now opposed the legal action. Martin, his life partner, had not yet been named as a defendant.

Commissioner Marilyn Maro was not present for the Aug. 7 vote.

“As a former city official, I am acutely aware of the Florida statutes referred to as Sunshine Law,” Clarke said later. “When it became clear to me that the core group of CNOBB disregarded these laws, I sought remedy against those I knew were putting the city at risk.”

In 2015, Barfield assisted in the successful defense of a lawsuit Metz filed against Clarke.

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AUGUST 16, 2017

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Vodka, amnesia and bad judgement

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

T

he origins of vodka are clouded in mystery.

Historians say that it is impossible to ascertain with any certainty where and when it

was first made.

That’s because the people who were there were drinking it.

The consensus is that the Poles invented vodka, and the Russians ran wild with it.

The word Vodka is derived from the Polish and Russian words for water.

The Irish confuse the word for water with whiskey.

The Poles sometimes make vodka from potatoes.

There is a pattern here.

Even for the Irish drinking with Russians is a bad idea. Anthony Bourdain says that no matter how good you think you are at holding your liquor, that any 12-year-old Russian can drink you under the table.

I am not big on vodka. I was mauled by vodka as a young man.

My hard liquor experience had begun with a few sips of lemon gin that Mikie O’Leary stole from his mom.

Juvenile Catholic males at one time attributed mystical properties to lemon gin.

We believed it could cure virginity.

We got the gin concept all wrong. You don’t lose your virginity by drinking lemon gin, you lose it by getting other people to drink it.

Mrs O’Leary’s gin was training wheels for my tragic bout with vodka.

It was a warm and sultry, summer Saturday night. The plan was to procure vodka from a bootlegger and share it with my buddies before we all went to a dance.

I got off work late, and everyone had already left for the dance.

Determined to catch up, I sat down with a pint of vodka and a pint of orange juice.

The first thing I learned about vodka was that, unlike gin, vodka does not taste like anything.

A tumbler full of vodka and orange juice tastes a lot like a tumbler full of orange juice.

I drank three or four tumblers in rapid succession.

I never made it to the dance. There is an old saying that Baptists don’t approve of liquor “because it leads to dancing.” It did not lead to dancing that night.

Fifteen minutes after quaffing the pint, I was sprawled in anguish on the bathroom floor. I stayed there until I crawled out of the bathroom, virginity intact, on Monday morning.

I pleaded with God to deliver me from that vodka hell. I promised that I would become a priest and dedicate the rest of my life to his service.

One little miracle, and he didn’t deliver.

Aside from my personal scarring, I have other reservations about vodka. I am in the business of making stuff that tastes great. I am inclined to disdain a beverage that acquires a reputation for greatness by not tasting like anything.

Vodka makers generally distill their product three times to approximate pure ethanol and then add water and filter the product through treated carbon, sand or even diamonds to remove the kind of substances that give character and flavor to rums and

whiskeys. Most of our inexpensive vodkas are made by adding water and flavorings to almost pure alcohol made by the large agricultural conglomerate, Archer Midlands.

My favorite use for vodka is as a subtle presence in foods.

A little vodka is great in the Bistro’s famous tomato soup or with an oyster shooter with clam juice and V-8.

The craziest vodka cocktails are the ones where it is mixed with caffeine.

The Espresso Martini – “makes you alert but stupid.”

My new favorite crazy is vodka and Red Bull “… because you want to be wide awake for this mistake.”

At one time Mr Trump started a vodka company. That did not go well either.

Sean Murphy is the head coach of the incredibly talented team that runs the Beach Bistro; its little sister, Eat Here; and its new craft cocktail bar, The Doctors Office. Some of his articles can be found on the Bistro’s web-site, www.beachbistro.com

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TOWN CRIER Book club meets

The Island Friends Book Club meets at the Island Branch Library on Thursday, Aug.. 17, at 10 a.m. There is no single book chosen to discuss. It will be a reader’s choice. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

SWAT meets on Island The Anna Maria Island Chapter of SWA T (Successful Women Aligning Together) will meet on Thursday, Aug. 17, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S. in Bradenton Beach. This chapter meets every third Thursday of the month at the Bridge Street Bistro. To RSVP, contact Betty Burton at SWATAMI@gmail. com orwww.swatnetworking.com.

Needlework for fun If you’re good with needles or want to be, there is a knit and crochet meeting at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. Bring your latest project and enjoy. Call 941-778-6341 for more information.

A history lesson Senior Adventures will meet at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, to take a van trip to Spanish Point in Sarasota on Friday, Aug. 18. Those wanting go must make a reservation. For information and to reserve a spot, call Kay Bell at 941-5380945.

Learn or practice mahjong If you’re bored of board games, mahjong has lots of fans, and it’s been around for hundreds of years. There will be a mahjong session at the Island Branch Library, 57601 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18. It’s free. Call 941-778-6341 for more information.

Learn wine making The folk school at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, will hold a two-part class on making wine, and students will make muscadine wine from the muscadine grape, a species that is native to the Southwestern United States. The grapes thrive in warm, humid climates and are full of nutritious antioxidants.

Muscadine wine is considered a sweet and refreshing choice during the warm summer months. Students will make a

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gallon of muscadine wine starting with the fresh fruit to take home and let ferment. This class will be held on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to noon.

On Saturday, Sept. 2, from 10 a.m. to noon, students will learn how to prepare their wine for bottling at home. The techniques they will learn in this class will prepare them to be able to make wine at home from their choice of fruit.

This is class 21 and up only. Class will be outside, weather permitting. The cost of the classes is $75. Register online by visiting FloridaFolkSchool.org. or call 941-708-6120.

Check out your health You could be alerted to possible stroke or other health problems by taking Prevention Plus Stroke and Vascular Screening offered on Wednesday, Aug. 30, at The Center, 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria. The screenings are being offered at reduced prices.

They include stroke/carotid ultrasound for $40, abdominal aortic aneurysm for $40, arterial disease test for $40, thyroid ultrasound for $40, abdominal ultrasound for $95 and heart scan-echocardiogram for $95 or all six tests for only $179. Blood tests, liver, cholesterol, PSA and TSH tests are also available.

To register, call 888-667-7587.

AUGUST 16, 2017

Manatee County needs help The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department needs help drilling oysters to create oyster mats and vertical oyster gardens. Volunteers are needed if they meet the following criteria: familiar with a drill press; have steady hands; are able to be at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., during open hours; able to volunteer several hours at a time; and be at least 18 years old.

The department is going to have an ongoing need for oyster shell that can be turned into mats. Those interested may contact Michelle at 941-742-5923, ext 6035, to set up a training time.

Help with weight control Overeaters Anonymous meets at the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, each Thursday at 7 p.m. For more information, call 813494-6518.

Rhythm on the beach Enjoy the rhythm of drums keeping the beat at the Sunset Drum Circle at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. There’s no charge to listen and dinner is available at the café.

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AUGUST 16, 2017

Nesting News Turtle nests laid: 477 False crawls: 451 Nests hatched: 165 Not hatched: 57 Nests remaining: 255 Hatchlings to Gulf: 11,745 Nest disorientations: 16 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Turtle Tips During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch.

Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.

• Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.

• Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand be-

fore leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

• Don’t use sky lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

• Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.

• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law.

If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888404-FWCC (3922).

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to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife.

• If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Bird tips During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area.

• Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed.

• Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health.

• If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close.

• Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach.

• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas.

• Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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AUGUST 16, 2017

941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 3 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

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AUGUST 16, 2017

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OUTDOORS

AUGUST 16, 2017

Preserving our nature legacy L

ess than five miles from Anna Maria Island, Robinson Preserve, Perico Preserve and the Neal Preserve protect nearly 800 acres of prime estuarine habitat. Manatee County has done an exemplary job of saving these and other coastal habitats from development. Through partnerships with other environmental groups and organizations, they have restored and enhanced conservation lands, creating havens for indigenous fauna and flora.

These resources are vital and intricately linked benefiting birds, wildlife and fish. Not only do these restored wetlands provide habitat and protection for juvenile fish, they also provide the shrimp, minnows and crustaceans they feed on a place to flourish.

Robinson Preserve, the first and largest of the three sanctuaries encompasses 487 acres that border Tampa Bay and Perico Bayou. The property has miles of channels and open water that provide unique opportunities for anglers and

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS paddle sport enthusiasts. There are also miles of trails, paved and unpaved that welcome walkers, runners, bikers and bird watchers.

It’s a beautiful example of native Florida that almost wasn’t a reality. The property was originally slated for development, but due to market conditions and the cost of making the property suitable for housing, it became available for protection. In the beginning, 337 acres of disturbed farmland was converted to native habitat by Manatee County with the cooperation of Florida Communities Trust Florida Forever Program (FCT) as well as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,

rUSTY CHINNIS | sun

The newly created sea grass lagoon and bird nesting island is the centerpiece of the Perico Preserve.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Army Corps of Engineers, and Southwest Florida Water Management District (Swiftmud).

In 2012, an additional 150 acres were added to the existing preserve with the

assistance of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.

The Conservation Foundation, recognizing the popularity of the existing Preserve, came up with a creative solusee reel time, page 23

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AUGUST 16, 2017

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23

Yellowtail plentiful Captain Dave White

It's been a fun week on the water for us here at Anna Maria Charters. We've been getting snapper like crazy. I'm finding nice yellowtail and mangroves in hard bottom areas and ledges in some pretty shallow waters. Chumming frugally with threadfin herring has been the ticket in getting these tasty fish fired up.

Mangrove snapper are prevalent everywhere

Dorothy Pona, from Cleveland, shows off a little tunny, caught on a fly while fishing with Captain David White.

CAPT. DAVE WHITE SUBMITTED

SEE capt. dave, PAGE 27

reel time: Preserving our nature legacy FROM PAGE 22

tion to permanently conserve the additional acreage. With a grant from the Mosaic Company Foundation, the Conservation Foundation purchased the land and donated it to Manatee County. Manatee County then donated a perpetual conservation easement back to Conservation Foundation. This easement ensures that the land will always remain a natural park.

The 120-acre Neal Preserve is situated on the eastern shore of Sarasota Bay just south of the Manatee Bridge. Acquired in 2005, the site features coastal habitats including mangrove forests, salt terns and oak hammock uplands. The preserve has a 20-foot tall observation tower, shell trails and walkways through the mangrove forest.

This area is home to reconstructed burial mounds that were originally excavated in the 1930s by the Smithsonian Institute. The excavations revealed a site that was inhabited by an Indian culture from 3000 BC to 1400 AD.

The site also protects a rich bay shoreline with mangrove forests that provide habitat and protection for the bay inhabitants.

Like other county conservation sites, Neal Preserve was made possible by partnership. It began with assistance from the FCT, which contributed $3 million to help purchase the site. Swiftmud funded the habitat restoration and the FDEP with the assistance of the US Department of the Interior, Land and Water Conservation funded the construction of the parking lot, pavilion, signage, observation tower, trails and boardwalks.

The Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay estuary programs brought together volunteers who became the hands on part of the restoration.

The most recent addition to protected lands, the 176 acre Perico Preserve was originally farm land that has been converted to a mix of coastal wetlands, scrub hills, seagrass lagoon, shorebird nesting island, a gopher tortoise relocation habitat and upland areas reminiscent of historical coastal habitat.

The preserve was planned to allow visitors to view and photograph birds and other animals. The site has a bird blind, one and a half miles of trails that wind through a forested hammock, fresh and saltwater marshes and uplands scrub. Benches, overlooks, bridges and even swings allow visitors an opportunity to connect with nature.

The Perico Preserve was constructed primarily as a bird sanctuary, although it supports a wide variety of wildlife. Dogs, with the exception of service dogs, are not allowed in order to give birds and the other wildlife the best chance of raising their offspring. The same applies to bikes that are only allowed on certain designated trails.

These three preserves provide a glimpse into a rich and diverse natural coastal habitat that once wrapped the whole coast of Florida. These areas provide a vital nursery for the birds, fish and other wildlife that make this part of Florida so special.

The three Preserves are open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week.

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AUGUST 16, 2017

Beachfront dream wedding

tubs & HBO. Pristine private beach with complimentary

Are you recently engaged and looking for the perfect place for your beachfront wedding? Look no further than beautiful Anna Maria Island, where your dream can come true at the Sunset by Gulf Drive Café. This waterfront venue is one of the Island’s most appealing sites for wedding celebrations.

Located at the south end of the Island, the Gulf Drive Café overlooks sugar-white sands and the Gulf of Mexico’s shimmering turquoise water. Their team of experts will work with you on creating your perfect tropical dream wedding.

For your ceremony, the Gulf waves and setting sun provide a picturesque backdrop when saying, “I Do.” You can tie the knot near the coastline on a romantic sandy walkway of multicolored rose petals. You may also choose to have the ceremony performed at the Seastar Sands, a private beach complete with seven miniature tiki huts. After the first kiss, you are only steps away from your reception at one of two tiki huts.

The Sunset Tiki Hut is perfectly suited for groups up to 175 guests. Spacious and open-aired, it has a private bar, drop down sides to protect from the elements, and a tile dance floor for you and your guests to dance the night away. Smaller groups of fewer than 30 people may choose to have the reception at the new Seaside Tiki Hut. Here you can enjoy your dinner at the custom 20-foot wood banquet table, dine alfresco with your toes in the sand and have a front-row seat to the sun setting along the horizon.

Visit the property for a tour, sample the chef’s creations and learn more about the wedding packages offered. For more information, call Event Manager Laura Snow, at 941778-1919, ext. 3, e-mail GulfDriveTiki@gmail.com or online at TheSunsetWeddings.com.

OPEN DAILY 7 AM - 9 PM

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AUGUST 16, 2017

THE SUN

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Holli Arledge and William Wilson were married at the Sandbar restaurant on June 7, 2017. Holli and William honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Lithopolis, Ohio.

Pidge Kelley Taylor and Mark Barreda were married on Anna Maria Island on July 14, 2017.

Chuck Caudill sang and played ukulele for their ceremony. Pidge and Mark honeymooned in San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Yosemite before returning home to Anna Maria Island.

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Jen Crady, owner of AMI Health & Fitness, and Brian Sekel were married on the beautiful beach of Anna Maria Island on June 27, 2017. Chuck Caudill played ukulele and sang for the ceremony. Jen and Brian honeymooned in Puerto Rico before returning home to Ellenton, Fla.

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

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THE SUN

AUGUST 16, 2017

CINDY LANE | SUN

Sunset sail Summertime breezes make for good sunset sailing off Anna Maria Island.

AUGUST 16, 2017

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

27

First day of school AME first-grader Teigan Fleischer enthusiastically greets Holmes Beach Code Enforcement Officers James Thomas and Nate Brown as her mom walks her to school.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

CAPT. DAVE: Yellowtail plentiful FROM PAGE 23

right now. From the local bridges to the deeper waters of the Gulf. Take advantage while you can!

As for pelagics, I’ve been getting a lot of fun sized little tunny. These fast fish are a heck of a fight on light tackle.

If you don’t have enough line, they definitely have the capability of spooling

you.

If you’re a fly angler, they are the perfect fish for an 8-weight rod and reel.

Just be sure to strip fast, as they like to chase the bait. I’m getting good sized Spanish mackerel and a larger kingfish or two on occasion. Hopefully, the weather remains consistent and these trends remain the same. Tight lines.

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

AUGUST 16, 2017

Jumbo loans, jumbo prices

I

n the market for a high-end property, say over $1 million? You’ll have no shortage of choices on Anna Maria Island based on my latest three-month analysis of $1 million and over properties. But before you start looking for that high-end dream if you’re planning on financing it, you need to get acquainted with jumbo – no, not the elephant, the mortgage.

A jumbo mortgage is a home loan for an amount that exceeds conforming loan limits established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government entity that purchases loans from lenders. If a loan amount is higher than a certain number, neither of the two government sponsored entities will purchase the loan.

However, the conforming amount is not the same in all parts of the country and indeed not even in all counties within a state.

Manatee County’s conforming number is $424,100, which means that any home

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger loan above this amount is considered a jumbo loan. This is a number that is around the national average, however, in very expensive areas of the country like New York City and San Francisco, it increases substantially.

Just like conforming home loans, jumbo loan home buyers have a wide range of choices from established banks to online loan lenders. You can go directly to a lender or you can use a broker who will seek out the best rate and terms for you.

Another good idea for jumbo borrowers is to do business with banks where you may already have a relationship with, either through business or personal. Many

of these lenders will keep jumbo loans on their books and not sell them on the secondary market.

So, let’s look at properties that have closed in April, May and June at over $1 million on Anna Maria and in Cortez that probably required jumbo financing.

We’ll also look at over $1 million listings that are on the market as of this writing.

Closed properties are from the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office and on the market properties are from the realtor.com website.

Cortez had one sale over $1 million during the three months analyzed, but it currently has six on the market and one pending between $1 and $2 million.

The city of Anna Maria had 15 sales $1 million or over during April, May and June with a high of $3,400,000. The city currently has 36 properties for sale and nine pending with a high of $4,995,000.

There also are three listed over $3 million and three listed over $2 million.

The combined sold properties during April, May and June over $1 million for Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach were 21 with a high of $3,495,000. On the market, as of this writing, there were 52 properties over $1 million and six pending. The top available property is $9,900,000, but there also is a property listed at just under $5 million, two over $3 million and eight $2 million or over.

The Island and Cortez continue pushing up the price point in this relatively small waterfront community. With almost 100 $1 million or over properties available, jumbo loan buyers can have a field day.

Never-the-less, whether you’re a jumbo buyer or not, do your homework when shopping for a loan. There are many products to choose from, so choose wisely.

I’ll be back in three months with another look at our high-end market, which is starting to look less high-end and more normal. Where will it end?

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 16, 2017

THE SUN

29

aqua: Denial recommended by Planning Commission Holmes Beach resident Barbara Hines said the additional traffic would negatively impact Anna Maria Island residents’ ability to get on and off the Island.

FROM PAGE 1

variable buffer zone that averages 50 feet along the two-mile shoreline, but could be as narrow as 15 feet in places.

“I still can’t come to grips with how staff can say those scenarios are compatible with this area when it’s clearly not,” Bower said.

Horrigan voiced concerns about building heights, wetland buffering and the lingering possibility of a navigation channel for a marina or boat basin.

Staff support fades

Stephanie Moreland, the county’s principal planner, said staff had supported the project, but that support evaporated later in the week when an updated staff report recommending denial appeared on the county website.

The staff recommendation cited inconsistency with the comp plan and LDC. Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) board member and former County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann distributed an e-mail Saturday afternoon that said, “While we were out this morning rallying at 75th Street West and Cortez Road, it appears staff released their new report for Wednesday’s County Commission meeting. This is a big one.”

Vogler’s views

joe hendricks | SUN

Aqua by the Bay developer Carlos Beruff listens to county residents criticize his proposed development. Matt Bower led the Manatee County Planning Commission in recommending denial of the Aqua by the Bay development as currently proposed.

Public opposition remains

During Thursday’s meeting, von Hahmann, a Cortez resident, quoted LDC language that says an applicant requesting building heights over 35 feet shall, at public hearing, provide a conceptual architectural drawing, elevations and planned views that show the buildings and their locations. That has not happened.

Andy Mele presented an enlarged, modified version of the building loca-

tion sketches the developers used to obtain Southwest Florida Water Management District permits. One showed only the 145-foot buildings and one showed only the 95-foot buildings.

Mele’s combined rendition showed all the estimated buildings in excess of the 35-feet needed to accommodate the requested 2,384 multi-family units.

Dr. Randy Edwards expressed concerns about buffering, tidal flow, water stagnation and mangrove degradation.

Echoing O.J. Simpson’s lawyer, Johnnie Cochran, Edwards said, “If it doesn’t comply, you must deny.”

Beruff’s attorney, Ed Vogler, touted the development as “unique and special” and restated claims about no dredging through mangroves or seagrasses and no impact on water quality, coastal mangroves, seagrasses, submerged lands or fishing.

He objected to Mele’s use of the sketches and noted the nearby Lake Flores development was approved for 95-foot buildings and IMG was approved for an 84-foot building.

“We want to be treated fairly,” Vogler said.

Bower noted the Lake Flores and IMG buildings would be to closer Cortez Road than they would to Sarasota Bay. Vogler also expressed appreciation for the county staff support that would soon disappear.

30

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THE SUN

Real estate transfers of June 2017 Sponsored by Alan Galletto, Island Real Estate Source: Mid Florida Multiple Listing Service

6101 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

Date Sold Anna Maria 2017-06-07 2017-06-21 2017-06-30 2017-06-23 2017-06-14 2017-06-05 2017-06-14 2017-06-30 2017-06-19 2017-06-30 2017-06-16 2017-06-23 2017-06-16

List Price Sold Price

Property Address SFUA

Lot

Property Description

650,000 600,000 745,000 745,000 895,000 875,000 899,000 899,000 1,300,000 1,025,000 1,399,000 1,250,000 1,499,000 1,300,000 1,450,000 1,350,000 2,749,000 2,600,000 3,395,000 2,750,000 3,700,000 3,200,000 659,000 659,000 680,000 662,500

319 Hardin Ave 1334 131 Hammock Rd 1330 516 Loquat Dr 2092 232 Chilson Ave 1422 845 N Shore Dr 902 907 North Shore Dr 1731 802 S Bay Blvd 1350 213 Magnolia Ave 2540 913 N Shore Dr 2519 826 S Bay Blvd #A 4494 519 Blue Heron Dr 5890 210 Pine Ave #R 1560

315 Pine Ave #R

56x97 52x106

2000

2 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/1 Ba SFR 3 Br/3 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 5 Br/4 Ba SFR 4 Br/4 Ba SFR 4 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 4 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba Cond 3 Br/2 Ba Condo

Bradenton Beach 2017-06-30 2017-06-09 2017-06-01 2017-06-20 2017-06-30 2017-06-19 2017-06-30 2017-06-15

290,000 319,000 475,000 474,900 839,900 525,000 525,000 785,000

1801 Gulf Dr N#262 1080 1801 Gulf Dr N #250 1080 228 17th St N #31 1268 2205 Avenue B 1500 2319 Avenue B 2700 2413 Avenue B 2406 100 Highland Ave #A 1610 103 4th St S #Abc 2055

50x100

50x106

2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo Duplex Duplex Duplex Triplex Triplex

Cortez 2017-06-23 2017-06-06 2017-06-01

1,549,000 1,300,000 490,000 465,000 295,000 300,000

12510 Baypointe Ter 3906 4109 129th St W4109 2046 12409 Baypointe Ter

85x175

5 Br/4.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba Condo Sf Use

Holmes Beach 2017-06-06 2017-06-29 017-06-30 2017-06-15 2017-06-06 2017-06-05 2017-06-12 2017-06-15 2017-06-22 2017-06-27 2017-06-16 2017-06-08 2017-06-20 2017-06-19 2017-06-13 2017-06-01 2017-06-05 2017-06-30 2017-06-30 2017-06-23

550,000 500,000 539,000 524,000 595,000 595,000 679,000 600,000 649,000 635,000 739,000 680,000 799,000 702,000 759,000 745,000 850,000 790,000 1,150,000 1,065,000 1,250,000 1,187,500 1,399,000 1,365,000 1,420,000 1,495,000 3,800,000 3,525,000 330,000 315,000 389000 383,500 450,000 400,000 449,000 415,000 439,000 430,000 499,000 466,500

8304 Marina Dr 1688 1206 233 64th St 507 67th St 1469 2153 203 72nd St 2560 504 72nd St 214 83rd St 1681 204 75th St 1826 1902 131 51st St 511 56th St 1768 507 83rd St 2146 210 S Harbor Dr 2260 685 Key Royale Dr 2356 212 77th St 3172 103 79th St 2669 6200 Flotilla Dr #241 1114 5400 Gulf Dr #21 968 3013 Avenue F #D2 984 205b 36th St #204 989 5400 Gulf Dr #30 1188 210 Haverkos Ct 1&2 1574

99x116

68x98

3 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/2.5 Ba SFR, Short Sale 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/3 Ba SFR 3 Br/3 Ba SFR 4 Br/4 Ba SFR 3 Br/2.5 Ba SFR 5 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2.5 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/1.5 Ba Cond 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo Duplex

282,500 305,000 462,500 444,000 800,000 490,000 515,000 745,000

AUGUST 16, 2017

1-5 BEDROOMS * &21'26 ຺ +20(6 * :((./< ຺ 0217+/< )$0,/< ຺ 3(7 )5,(1'/<

Personalized Property Management!

“Thank you for the quick ability to accommodate our family! You all were awesome to work with.” ...The Burkins Family

941-567-6253

C O A S TA L C OT TA G E S A M I . C O M

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AUGUST 16, 2017

e-mails: Revealed

THE SUN

31

There is legal court precedence requiring the city to do this and even if what we want is illegal it must go on the

FROM PAGE 1

mayor with a charter amendment that addresses charter interpretation and/or a strong mayor amendment.

“If we are giving the mayor back his power, I would include the power to hire and fire any employee or contract person without limit,” Metz wrote.

“Giving him back the powers he has under the charter should not be hard and will give us some working time and allow us to get rid of the lawyer (City Attorney Ricinda Perry) and then change the form of gov’t,” Mapes wrote.

Bradenton Beach’s weak mayor form of government prevents Shearon or any other mayor from firing any contracted, salaried or hourly city employee. By majority vote, the commission can terminate a department head or a charter official such as the city clerk, city attorney or police chief. Only a department head can terminate a regular employee.

One of CNOBB’s proposed charter amendments seeks to prevent the city commission from adopting ordinances and resolutions that interpret the city charter. This is aimed at commission-initiated proposals adopted in recent years supporting the commission’s stance that

the charter says department heads answer to the commission as a whole and not to the mayor exclusively. In 2016, the commission adopted a resolution preventing the mayor from controlling meeting agendas. CNOBB members have discussed rescinding these past commission actions.

Opposing Chappie

On July 23, Mapes and CNOBB members Janie Robertson and Michael Harrington exchanged e-mails about Chappie challenging Shearon.

The qualifying period begins Aug. 28 and ends Sept. 1. If Chappie challenges Shearon, his current Ward 4 commission seat will become vacant immediately after the election, whether he wins or loses. That seat will then be filled by a commission-appointed replacement who would serve the remaining year of Chappie’s two-year Ward 4 term.

On Jul 22, Robertson wrote, “If Chappie were to challenge for mayor, he should not be allowed to hold his ward seat past the qualifying date and not allow Bill V. (Vincent) to qualify to fill it at the election. This could happen this election and then someone such as

ballot and fight it in the courts afterwards if it passes.”

Reed Mapes CNOBB member (Jan) Vosburgh or (Jim) Lynch could be appointed over Bill V. I fear this move is already in the works. Diabolical. Consult with Metz on this.”

On July 23, Robertson added, “This is a huge problem we have.”

In response, Mapes wrote, “One option would be to not allow a sitting commissioner to run for mayor. I’m not sure that would be legal, but respect for their position would be to complete their term.”

The initiative process

CNOBB’s efforts to amend the city charter without following the normal charter review process includes asking city voters to eliminate the city’s four geographical commission wards and reducing candidate residency requirements from two years to one.

On Aug. 1, Mapes e-mailed several CNOBB members and attorney Bob Hendrickson about the charter amendment process.

“There is legal court precedence requiring the city to do this, and even if what we want is illegal, it must go on the ballot and fight it in the courts afterwards if it passes,” he wrote.

On Monday, City Clerk Terri Sanclemente delivered the signed CNOBB petition signatures to the Supervisor of Elections office for signature verification.

Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett was also presented with a 14-page memo that addresses the city’s concerns about legality and procedural compliance.

These concerns will be addressed at the Thursday, Aug. 17, commission meeting.

The CNOBB e-mail exchanges have not been error-free. On July 25, Martin sent an e-mail to CNOBB members that said, “Oh my God I just did a ‘reply all’ and you had Terri and Ricinda on the list. Please if you’re going to communicate with them do it in a separate format do not include us in it. God only knows how they’ll take this.”

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY CO N N E C T E D.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 524 Villa Rosa Way Kelly Baldwin 941-404-9396 A4173954 $1,350,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 201 73rd Street Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4184962 $995,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 620 N Point Drive Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4184866 $770,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 413 Bay Palms Drive Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4184679 $725,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 Key Royale Drive George Myers 941-224-6021 A4184576 $1,995,000

B R A D E N TO N 8224 8th Terrace NW Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4183622 $529,000

B R A D E N TO N 1402 90th Court NW Pam Blalock & Jinny Scherer 737-9376 or 705-0877 A4179157 $485,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 211 Elm Avenue A George Myers 941-224-6021 A4182668 $479,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 211 Elm Avenue A & B George Myers 941-224-6021 A4181524 $919,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2907 Avenue C Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4191229 $799,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 101 66th Street 9 Ken Kavanaugh & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4178549 $720,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 5606 Carissa Street A & B Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4192106 $599,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS | RENTAL

B R A D E N TO N 532 Hillcrest Drive Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4170841 $449,900

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

B R A D E N TO N 3440 77th Street W 102 Barb Eberhart 941-761-7349 A4174104 $340,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 1003 Gulf Drive S 4 2 Bed 1 Bath 667 SqFt $1,000

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

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THE SUN

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 16, 2017

Lazin' on the bayside The world-famous Gulf beaches of Anna Maria Island draw hundreds of thousands of visitors a year to soak up the sun. But while the sandy stretches on the Tampa Bay side are smaller, they also are less crowded and still offer spectacular blue water and sometimes a great view of a manatee, lower left.

ANNA HAYDEN | SUBMITTED

AUGUST 16, 2017

www.amisun.com

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33

Nothing to see here A close look at this reef off Anna Maria Island reveals a cowfish hiding in the rocks.

CINDY LANE | SUN

34

THE SUN

SPORTS

AUGUST 16, 2017

Talucci Construction building solid season

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Week four of the co-ed recreational flag football season passed the halfway mark last week. Three teams find themselves at the top of the ranking – all three undefeated with three wins under their belt. In a league where everyone makes the playoffs, the difference between a championship and the consolation prize can all come down to the rankings at the end of the season.

Team Mason Martin, that had the bye last week along with Beach House Real Estate, tops the charts. Team Talucci Construction finished the week in third position after confidently beating Team Beach Bums. Three games are left to determine the final ranking.

The stats sheet for the game of the week shows the diversity and breadth of talent on both of the teams that went head-to-head: Talucci Construction and Beach Bums. The total yards gained and the points put on the scoreboard made the difference in the game, as Beach Bums just could not finish offensive drives in the end zone.

Dominating on both sides of the football, Team Talucci Construction started the game on defense, sending a message to Beach Bums with an interception by Kevin Roman.

Ray Gardner, captain of Talucci Construction, confidently marched his team down the football field with a big first down play and touchdown by David Dunham and extra point by Dina Calvary to lead the game 7-0.

Three downs and out for Charles Buky’s Beach Bums, despite the efforts of Karri Stephens. Roman’s key defensive play, batting down the pass past the mid-field line, ended Beach Bums possession with no score.

Dunham got the first down call only to be stopped by Lyn Puskas after a seven-yard gain. Coming back strong, Dunham raced down the field for his second touchdown of the game.

After the snap, Gardner looked for his go to player, Calvary, but opted for the point after with the sure hands of Roman to advance the score to 14-0.

Trying to make something happen on offense, Buky hit Geoff Evans for a short gain. Gardner’s pass rushing pressure was too much for Buky on second down, causing the incomplete pass.

Out of retirement, David Zaccagnino made the play of the half with the pos-

monica simpson | SUN

Running into the tough defense of Team Beach Bums, Talucci Construction’s David Dunham tried to elude Lyn Puskas and Karri Stephens before the double flag pull. session ending sack on third down for Talucci Construction.

On the other side of the football, Talucci Construction took four snaps of the football and put another seven points on the scoreboard with catches by Dunham and Jonathan DellaTorre. Gardner and Roman sealed the deal with the touchdown and extra point snags.

Behind by 21 points, Team Beach Bums found itself defending the football to start the second half of the game. With a new quarterback, DellaTorre, the rushing pressure of the defense was effecting, causing two incomplete passes.

Needing to make the first down or score, Gardner got the call and tried to work his magic with a long throw to Nate Talucci past the mid-field line.

Talucci could not get his grip around the ball, giving Beach Bums another chance on offense.

Once again, Buky took his team toward the end zone with two complete passes to Stephens and a big first down throw to Evans, putting the ball at the Talucci Construction 10-yard line. With the big throw to Stephens in the corner and tight defensive pressure by Roman, Stephens made a phenomenal catch, but his feet just landed on the line.

Forcing a throw into the end zone, Buky looked to Stephens, but Dunham

denied the score with another Talucci Construction interception, leaving 13 minutes on the clock.

With the never say quit attitude on the field, the Beach Bums defense made big stops to get the ball back, but just could not get the ball across the line to score on its next offense set of downs.

Gardner methodically moved his team down the field again, despite a negated reception by Calvary with the impeding the rusher call on Calvary after snapping the ball. DellaTorre’s big catch was met with the defensive force of Evans as they collide on the field.

Roman put up his next offensive statistic with another touchdown reception from Gardner, followed by the extra point by DellaTorre.

The 28-point deficit would not stop Buky. As the clock was running down, the solid QB hit the hands of Stephens for Beach Bums only score in the game with 15 seconds showing on the scoreboard to end the game 28-6.

On the leaderboard, Truly Nolen is still hoping to find its first W in the season. Plagued with injuries and playing with a limited roster, the team picked up veteran player Patrick Calvary.

Moss Builders, Beach Bums and Avis each have a single win. Movement at the top could happen before the end of the regular season. It is still anyone’s season, anyone’s championship to win.

Sun Scoreboard Thursday, Aug. 10 Adult Co-Ed Flag Football

#5 Moss Builders W (by forfeit) (1-3) #6 Avis (1-3) #3 Talucci Construction #4 Beach Bums

28 (3-0) 6 (1-2)

#7 Truly Nolen #2 Beach House Real Estate

0 (0-4) (3-0)

Horseshoe happenings On Aug. 9, the team of Hank Huyghe and Steve Doyle posted the only 3 and 0 record during pool play and earned the days bragging rights. Two teams went 3 and 0 on Aug. 12 and met in the final.

The walker Neil Hennessey ran out of gas losing to Huyghe and partner Gary Howcroft 23 to 9 on a game ending double-ringer by Huyghe to take the day’s championship.

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 16, 2017

THE SUN

35

Day dock disappears Boaters must make do until the new dock arrives.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@ amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The floating public day dock next to the Historic Bridge Street Pier is gone and its replacement is expected to arrive in September or October.

As a stop-gap measure, the Bradenton Beach Public Works Department repainted and repaired the city-owned dinghy dock near the Bridge Tender Inn and installed a brand new American Disabilities Act-compliant approach ramp.

Live-aboard boaters who reside in the anchorage must share the small dock with commercial vessels and others who pull up to its south side to pick up and drop off passengers.

On Tuesday, Aug. 8, John Banyas, from N.E. Taylor Boatworks in

joe hendricks | SUN

John Banyas and Anthony Taylor freed the damaged dock sections from their pilings so they could be towed to Cortez.

Cortez, was assisted by Anthony Taylor and Junior Guthrie in disassembling the floating dock damaged beyond repair by Tropical Storm Emily and towing it across the Intracoastal Waterway to the Cortez property that is also home to the Cortez Kitchen, The Swordfish Grill and Cortez Bait and Seafood.

obituaries William Francis Heemskerk William F. Heemskerk, of Bradenton, FL, died peacefully on Aug. 6, 2017, at the age of 90.

Known throughout his life for his wit and charm, he will be missed by all who knew him. Born on Sept. 10, 1926, in Hillegom, Holland, he was 14 when the Nazis took control of his country during World War II. His childhood wartime experiences are captured vividly in the autobiographical novel, "Tanks Among the Tulips," coauthored by his wife, Ardith and published in 2015.

After the war, he served in the

The dock sections will be used as small floating docks placed around the waterfront business complex, as band stages during special events or in some other capacity.

As he did last year when the dock was damaged in another storm, Banyas provided his services at no cost to the

Dutch Air Force as a medic. Bill then went to work for his father's tulip business as a sales representative to the U. S. and, on a transAtlantic steamship, met and fell in love with an American girl named Ardith. They married in 1955 and settled in New England, where he made a career managing publication sales. He had a passion for music and was an accomplished organist and church choir director.

He played the organ at churches throughout Bradenton, Fla., and Anna Maria Island, Fla., for over two decades following his move to Florida from Massachusetts in 1988.

One of eight brothers and sisters, he leaves behind his brother, Ton Heemskerk, of Holland and sister, Henriette Dekker, of England. Bill is survived by his wife, Ardith, his children and their

city. It was City Commissioner Jake Spoonerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idea to contact Banyas last year after the city an estimate from someone else to remove the dock for $50,000.

A new and improved floating dock system has been ordered, and the city is now awaiting delivery and installation.

spouses, daughter Marilyn Heemskerk, daughter, Jill and husband David Owens, son, Bart and wife, Laura Heemskerk and daughter, Heidi and husband, Frank Gordon.

He has three grandchildren whom he loved deeply, William and James Heemskerk and Kyra Owens. He taught them all to laugh.

A memorial service will be planned in the coming weeks to be held at the Harvey Memorial Community Church in Bradenton Beach, Florida.

Barbara Lazzara Barbara Lazzara, 83 of Anna Maria, passed away July 2, 2017.

A memorial service with reception was held Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, at 3 p.m. at Shannon Funeral Home Westview Chapel, 5610 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, Fla.

36

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Lioness in "Born Free" 5 __ optic cable 10 It must be made with one hand 14 Ruth's husband, in the Bible 15 Massey of old films 16 "My treat" 17 Rush off 18 Daniel Boone portrayer 20 In the mail 22 Double play pair 23 Road repair consequence 24 Cookie-cutter abode 27 "If __ King of the Forest": Cowardly Lion's song 29 Lend a hand 30 Channel for bargain hunters 31 Joan of Arc, e.g.

32 Forsaken child 34 MASH system 37 Both sides of an argument ... and what can literally precede the starts of 18-, 24-, 53- and 60-Across 41 Slip by 42 Falling out between friends 45 "__ as she goes" 48 Fireplace residue 51 UPS driver's assignment 52 Rush hour sounds 53 New car trial run 56 Pumper's pride 57 Fairy tale bad guy 59 Oodles 60 Unexpected source of cash

63 Osbourne of rock 66 Made haste 67 Supreme Court justice since 2006 68 Visionary 69 Slow-cooked meal 70 Spotless 71 Very, in Versailles Down 1 Flow out 2 London lav 3 Tortilla chip topper 4 Templo Mayor builder 5 Some whiskey purchases 6 Project extension?

7 __ buddies 8 Happen as a result 9 Immersed (in), as a book 10 In support of 11 Printer choice 12 Easily smudged 13 First-__: rookie Congressman 19 Italian cheese 21 Ultimate degree 24 Noticed, to Tweety 25 Narrow waterway

Answers to 08-09-17 Crossword Puzzle.

26 Ready to draw, as ale 28 Little songbirds 31 Big __: fast-food buy 33 One-in-a-million 35 "M*A*S*H" staffers 36 Inspirations 38 Ireland, affectionately 39 Vocalize 40 Wine-and-soda drink 43 Rugged transport, briefly 44 Casual top 45 Mine passages 46 As well 47 Make certain 49 Visit a bit longer 50 "Good" cholesterol letters 53 Fairy tale bad guy 54 Start of an elimination rhyme 55 Pigeon perch 58 Former auto financing co.

61 Never done before 62 Approx. landing hour 64 New York's Tappan __ Bridge 65 12-mo. periods

AUGUST 16, 2017

AUGUST 16, 2017

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NEED 9300 Sq Ft WAREHOUSE to store your (CAR) collection?

Bradenton, near Airport. $619,000 Island Real Estate Ask Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES ISLAND BOAT SALES Not Using Your Boat, Let's Sell It. "Business On A Hand Shake" I Also Buy Boats. Dave/ Owner 941-228-3489

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082

CLEANING SERVICE TOTAL HOME SERVICE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals.

Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine.

Island Based Company.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional.

Call for Free Estimate.

941-281-4951

Call us today! 941-778-3986

COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424

EMPLOYMENT

MARKETING ASSISTANT PART-TIME. Busy office, strong communications skills, computer skills.

Need to be flexible.

Send Resume to PO Box 1394, Anna Maria, Fl 34216 IMMEDIATE OPENINGS AT Jessie's Island Store 5424 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach.

Full time night cashier 4-5 nights per week. Part time cashier’s assistant 5pm9pm Friday and Saturday.

Apply in person, ask for Jimmy or April

FISHING CHARTERS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates.

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us DECKOUT, MASTER CARPENTER Everything Patio & Dock Decking Work Repair, Replace, Maintenance Work, Cleaning, Treatments, New Decks. Also Handyman/Painting work to home or office.

Call RICHARD Bespoke Service 941-448-3571 Island Resident.

CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured

FOR SALE TWO POWER CHAIRS. Jazzy Select Series. Make offer on the one with many miles. The other is like new $600. One hour battery (Holmes Beach to City of Anna Maria) Call 941-7782694

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP: Open 9:30a.m.-2p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10a.m.1p.m. Saturday. Annex open till 12p.m. Donations preferred on Wednesdays 9-11a.m. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733.

HAULING SITE CLEAN-UP to trash outs we can handle it all.

Call us for your dumpsters/ trash needs today 941-7538772

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

THE SUN

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

LOST & FOUND LOST GOLD BRACELET with toggle clasp & charm with 50th anniversary engraved.

Sentimental value. Lost in vicinity of Palm Ave. in Anna Maria. Call 407-8730078.

LOST: LADIES AVIATOR sunglass on Holmes Beach, 65th street. Wed 6/28 Sunset. Reward. 813-546-3982 STOLEN FROM 217 PINE AVE. Art work from front of house. Multi-colored Fish.

REWARD! Call 813-2305900 LOST HEAVY GOLD CHAIN with Blue Stone near 47th Ave in Holmes Beach on December 26. REWARD! Call 908-963-1702 LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward.

Call 407-579-1621

MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates.

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Wall paper removal..

Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

PERSONAL SERVICES NEED MATH TUTOR? I am a Certified 6th-12th Grade Math Teacher with 30 years experience tutoring. Call 941-524-4171

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PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing and Windows. Call 941-2515948

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

FROM THE HIGH $200’s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $190/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com

PETS PET SITTING ON Island or Near By in home. References available. Call 941-524-0534 for info and scheduling.

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. {Chemical Service} Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

113 BEACH AVE 3BR/3BA Pool Home. Great location West of Gulf Drive with Direct beach access! $1,055,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941228-6086 CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Bch - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, La Casa L’Plage, Waters Edge & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 VIVE LA FRANCE. Visiter Tout Les Courtages De Anna Maria et Bradenton. Avec Robert, Agent Immobilier, Membre Du Manatee Listing Service (MLS). Robert@gulfbayrealty.com 941-730-1291 cell. Gulfbay Realty of A.M, Inc.

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RENTALS: ANNUAL BRADENTON: 1BR/2BA upstairs condo on 75th St. near St. Peter & Paul . Water, sewer basic cable incl. $900mo $900 security dep. $100 application fee on site.

Application approval required. 2-3 bedroom executive level townhouse in gated community with Bay view, 2 car garage, private elevator, treetop loft , Almost 2200 S/F. Many amenities including kayaks, pools, workout center, restaurant and bar all on site. Application approval required. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com

Call us today! 941-778-3986

ANNUAL RENTAL- HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1.5BA, carport, storage, W/D hookups $1,720/mo. No Pets, Non-Smoking. Call Fran Maxon Real Estate for details 941-778-2307. {WEST BRADENTON, AT VILLAGE GREEN:} Private Villa with spectacular lake views. 2 beds/2 baths, over 2100 SF living area with all new paint, flooring and 2 car garage. Villa is fully applianced (washer/dryer too) and unfurnished. Over 55 gated community, no pets, {annual lease only} at $1895.00/mo. Please call Jim with questions at 781603-2861 or Matt Pertosoff at www.choosegulfcoast. com at 941-782-1559.

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc.

CHARMING ANNUAL BEACH Bungalow.

3BR/1BA new carpet, fans, A/C, full gulf views, shaded private driveway. Relaxing area for a hammock.

Washer & Dryer. Steps to Beach $1550/mo plus security. Call 941-753-8866

2BR/2BA/1 CAR GARAGEsingle family home. $1400/ mo annual lease. Cortez area. 2BR/2BA furnished condo at West Bay Cove.

Annual lease $1600/mo.

Call A Paradise 941-7784800

ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA Nice kitchen & yard. Block to Beach, Sunsets, Restaurants & Shops. $1700/mo. Plus utilities & security. Call 860-922-3857

FOR RENT ANNUAL 5BR/2.5BA. Pool, Boat dock & lift in San Remo Shores. Just off the Island.

4 houses from the Bay. New landscaping, Fenced yard. $3500/mo Call 908642-4340 TWO STORY 2BR/2BA Townhouse in Bradenton Beach. Large master bedroom w/ large Jacuzzi bath tub, separate shower. Steps to Beach. View of Gulf & Bay. Large deck. Washer/ Dryer, Parking for 3 cars.

Available Now. $1800/ mo Call 941-782-8556 HOLMES BEACH ELEVATED 2BR/1BA Duplex. Laminate floors, carport, laundry & Deck. Non smoking. Small pet considered. $1150/mo + utilities. pdstandeaven@ hotmail.com or 705-2453006 ANNUAL RENTAL Anna Maria City, 2BR/2BA half duplex, totally remodeled, unfurnished. NO PETS! $1,500/mo - 1st, last, and security req'd. Call Sato Real Estate, Inc. at 941778-7200 or email monica@satorealestate. com

AUGUST 16, 2017

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915

SUMMER WEEKLY RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $1,100 per week. 2BR with sleeping loft Bayfront from $1,100 per week, 4BR/3BA Bayside from $1,450 per week. No pools. 2018 SEASONAL RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $3,850 per month, 2BR with sleeping loft from $3,850 per month. Three month minimum. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@ tampabay.rr.com NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Anna Maria. 3BR/2BA Seasonal Rental across the street from Gulf.

Heated Pool.

AMIRENTAL.com

GREAT SUMMER RATES! Weekly, Monthly.

3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-2012190

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 16, 2017

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 movers

HAULING

painting

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AUGUST 16, 2017